What is the Taste of Lake Murray
What is the Taste of Lake Murray?
The Taste of Lake Murray is the sole fundraiser for the 4th of July Celebration on Lake Murray. Created 7 years ago, this event is designed to help raise the $100,000 necessary to produce the Annual 4th of July Celebration on Lake Murray, including a Boat Parade and 2 fireworks shows. The fireworks have been going off for 23 years and each year they get larger and more expensive for Capital City/Lake Murray Country (CCLMC) Regional Tourism Board to produce. Instead of using state funding or grant monies to produce the show, CCLMC turns to the community for support. This is the only fundraiser that CCLMC holds each year.
The 4th of July Celebration is important to the local economy for the 4 county area, it is estimated that over 125,000 spectators enjoy the fireworks, while over 5,000 turn out for the Boat Parade. The Taste of Lake Murray itself has also become an annual favorite with residents and visitors. In addition to supporting the fireworks, this year’s event will also support the Reference Light Program on Lake Murray. The Planning Committee will make a $1500 contribution to that program to ensure the continued safety of boaters and lake users.
What happens at the Taste of Lake Murray?
Over 800 locals attend the Taste of Lake Murray from our four county area (Lexington, Richland, Newberry and Saluda counties). At the event, attendees enjoy samples of foods from 13 area restaurants showcasing their signature dishes and the dance floor is crowded with shaggers dancing the night away to a local band. The highlights of the event are the silent and live auctions featuring items from all over South Carolina and the great get-a-ways from all over the United States. The atmosphere is always electric as people get prepared for warmer weather on Lake Murray!
Who's behind all of this?
Capital City Lake Murray Country is one of eleven Regional Tourism Office’s across South Carolina. Created in 1981 to promote the four county region around Lake Murray, CCLMC has found great success with marketing the region on an international level through fishing tournaments and advertising campaigns. CCLMC is the founder and producer of the 4th of July Celebration, an event voted a “Top 20 Event to Attend” in the Southeast by the Southeastern Tourism Society. CCLMC works closely with South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism to promote not only its region but the whole state. CCLMC is a 501(C)6 organization.
